Washington Nationals first home postseason game time frustrates fans

Seventy-nine years and three days after the last Washington team had a home postseason baseball game, the Nationals will take the field Wednesday afternoon for Game 3 in their series against the Cardinals.

But the excitement of D.C.'s first home postseason game since the Senators lost the decisive Game 5 of the 1933 World Series has been tempered somewhat by two factors -- the time the game is starting and the TV station it's on.

The game has a 1:07 p.m. start time. The announcement it would start so early forced many fans to quickly change their work schedules so they could make it.

"I had to check with my supervisors and make sure it was okay," said fan Evan Deichert of Arlington, who is not happy the Nats are playing in the afternoon while the Yankees and Orioles get a more coveted prime time slot.

"For a team that finished first in the major league in wins, it's really kind of a slap in the face," Deichert added.

The other issue some fans are upset about is the fact that Game 3 can only be seen on the MLB Network. The network isn't carried on basic cable in the D.C. area. It is only available on upgraded cable packages.

The combination of broadcasting on the MLB Network and the early start game is leaving many fans without a way to see the game.

"I don't get off until five, so I guess I'll try listening to it on the radio," said Roger Wilson of Fort Washington. "But that's not as good as being there or watching it on television."

For those interested in attending, the team says "a limited number of standing room only tickets" will be available Oct. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. The tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Click here for more information.